Holiday Survival

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The most wonderful time of the year, can sometimes be the most stressful time of the year. What with end of the year deadlines, holiday parties, family obligations and financial pressures, I know what a dichotomy this time of year can be. So this holiday season I share a few of my holiday survival secrets with you.

Listen to Music

I’m not suggesting you turn into ELF and blast Christmas Carols everywhere you go (although…if that’s your thing, do you!) but I do suggest you listen to music this holiday season. Whether it’s carrying an extra pair of earphones in your purse for those moments when you need a break or blasting your music in the car between holiday parties, music is a proven stress reducer.

Make a Plan

This might be one of the most important secrets, plan your arrival, your departure, you should even plan what you are going to say to Uncle Mike when he jokes about your second serving of turkey. Seriously. Plan your gift budget and plan your outfits. You’ll be less likely to cause extra stress if you have a plan. Styling Tip- Plan your outfit at least 5 days before the event. That way, if you need something you have time to get it. And if you are ordering something give yourself at least 10 business days.

Say NO

You can’t attend every party you’re invited too. You don’t have to exchange gifts with your mailman’s sister’s car detailing dude. You don’t have to keep up with your bosses shot count at the Holiday party. You can say NO. It's not mean. It's not impolite. It's the best way to keep you and your family from feeling burned out.

Give More

For most of us, the Holidays equal gifts. And as much as I love receiving gifts, I find more joy in giving gifts. This makes a lot of psychological sense as generosity is strongly associated with well-being. Can’t afford to donate to your favorite charity this holiday? Participate in random acts of kindness like paying for the person behind you in the Starbucks line or smile at people in the grocery store. Maybe you have time to donate, instead of money? There are food shelves and toys for tot programs that need your help.

Get Sleep

I know it’s tempting, there are so many fun times to be had this holiday season and staying up laughing with your family seems totally worth the sleep deprivation that you’ll experience tomorrow. Or maybe you have to pull an all-nighter to meet your end of year commission. Don’t give in! You need sleep. For your sanity and the sanity of those around you, make sure you get your beauty sleep.

As a community, we can help support one another. What are your survival secrets? Next week I’m going share both blogger and customer survival secrets. So please leave your comments below.

3 Responses

April Lundgren

November 15, 2016

My advice comes from my time in the military when I was away from home for the holidays. If for whatever reason, you are away from home, it is still nice to celebrate the season. For me, I developed my own tradition of ordering Chinese food and watching holiday movies. I also made sure to phone home to family and friends to help keep the loneliness bug away. My advice if you are away from home is to not avoid celebrating, just come up with something fun and unique to do and make it your own special holiday.

Susan Van Hoven

November 15, 2016

Try to make a calendar for all the activities, decorating, baking. When you are done with each job or event take time to relax for a few minutes, plan some fun things that you can enjoy without having to do any work. Pencil them in.

Jennifer Gordon

November 15, 2016

Let your guests help

If you’re going to host a party at your place…ask people to contribute (bring stuff). For the past five years, I’ve hosted Thanksgiving at my home. My contribution is making my home holiday ready, making the turkey and setting the table with my fancy china and silverware. My father-in-law orders from a local restaurant and brings the “sides” (stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy). My sister- and brother-in-law bring the vegetable dish and cranberry sauce. My husband buys the pies and rolls in advance from Costco. One year, I even asked a relative to bring a centerpiece for the table. My kids set the table.

A bonus tip: I set up separate serving tables with crock pots that stay plugged in and keep the side dishes warm during the meal.

Doing Thanksgiving or other holidays this way makes it feel more like a potluck and relieves your stress of having to make the entire meal. It also provides instant conversation-starters when everyone gets to complement each other on what they brought and lets everyone feel like they contributed to the experience.